I knew I needed to get more exercise, but I got a real wake up call when my Wii Fitness called me “Unbalanced” and a “Couch Potato” over and over again… Whoa…I don’t need an electronic game to call me names—or do I? Is this the psychological impetus behind the success of this game? Competition either against one’s self or other opponents? I suppose that works for the competitive types, which I am one. As far as Wii Sports and Wii Fitness are concerned, the Nintendo company has a big success!
The Wii was bought to challenge me physically and to encourage exercise. My husband and I have just finished really getting into it, and I have learned how to turn it on by myself without anyone’s help. Today, I spent my first half hour “working out” by myself with my Wii. I was sweating about midway through. Today was the first time I have run—actually RUNNNNN—in years and, though it felt awkward and tired me out, I am so glad I did it. I need to run every day! I will get better. It will begin to feel less awkward. One good thing, the Wii knows when you have missed a day—I had missed four, and it immediately told me so and reminded me how important it was to work out each day. I love that! There’s accountability. It also keeps count of the minutes you work out. Another form of accountability. This intrigues me as I believe I will press myself to do more and more.
My husband and I have been playing Wii Sports in the evenings, mainly bowling and tennis. I haven’t found golf to be very interesting. I’m doing well in bowling and even win sometimes. One of my last games was in the 230’s!
The Wii Fitness assesses your weight and allows you to create goals of weight loss for each two weeks. It also tracks your progress. I am really excited about this game!
As for how well it might be for others with some form of dementia or for their caregivers—or both at the same time—I see the Wii as an invaluable asset. I’d love to see it in Senior Centers and other institutions! I could imagine bowling tournaments…or Wii workout times. There are limitless possibilities here!
It was not difficult to hook up. I say that though I myself did not hook it up; my husband did. Working with the controls is easy. The most difficult thing I’ve found so far—and I haven’t tested all the Wii Fitness activities—is the stepping routine where you have to step to the time of the music. They do give you great visuals to follow, but one must step on and off the balance board. Anyone like me with some impairment in my balance must be very careful not to trip and fall. There should be a “spotter” nearby to help you. Other aerobic and strength exercises may also need someone or something nearby for support. However, perhaps these activities should not be started before some initial work on one’s balance is done. There are wonderful activities to work on balance with graphics which help you see how you are doing. That allows you to begin to FEEL how your balance and poster should be. I LOVE this part!
